At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure food quality and safety while driving continuous improvement in our products.
- Company: Join itsu, a leading Asian-inspired healthy eating brand with global ambitions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, health insurance, and generous employee discounts.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fast food with innovative products.
- Qualifications: Degree in food science and 3 years' experience in food safety and technical roles.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Ideal Candidate
- At least 3 years’ experience working in a food safety and technical role with manufacturing and retail/brand experience
- Qualified to degree level in food science or science degree
- Excellent attention to detail
- Work proactively individually as well as in a small team
- Passion for food & Asian inspired food in particular
About Us
itsu is the healthy eating, Asian inspired quick service retail & grocery brand with over 70 stores in the UK and a leading grocery business across Europe and beyond. Renowned for its best-in-class food made fresh in every shop every day, itsu has huge global ambitions with a commitment to continue to open many more stores and intensify the growth of its already thriving grocery arm. With its best-in-class healthy food, latest technology, innovation, and talented workforce, itsu is the future of fast food.
Scope Of The Role
itsu [grocery] are hiring a Food Technologist who will be responsible for the quality, safety, legality and authenticity of itsu [grocery] products and supplier performance in the relevant category, specifically the delivery of continuous improvement to ensure the highest food safety standards. They will be responsible for driving the awareness of a food safety culture and ensuring it is always considered during decision making. They will support the Technical team in maintaining AA Grade certification against the BRC Agents & Brokers standard.
- Works with the Category Technical Manager to approve and onboard new suppliers
- Supports the Technical Executive with ongoing monitoring of product quality, safety and authenticity through routine surveillance testing (covering nutritionals, claim validation, micro, chemical and authenticity testing), shelf-life evaluation and organoleptic testing
- Responsible for completing complaint and out of specification test result investigations for low and medium risk issues. Identifies the root cause and puts relevant corrective and preventative actions in place
- Supports the Category Technical Manager on the technical elements of NPD and EPD projects ensuring the gate process is followed and testing completed on time for nutritionals, cooking instructions and shelf life
- Attends production trials and first productions
- Completes the product specifications for new products accurately and on time, ensuring that they capture product key product safety and quality information
- Maintains specifications for existing products ensuring they are accurate and up to date
- Reviews and approves legal labelling artwork for new and existing products and checks compliance with itsu[grocery] brand standards and the labelling regulations.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Competitive bonus scheme
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (two bank holidays are interchangeable for other religious holidays)
- Health insurance
- Company pension scheme
- Hybrid working (2 days wfh)
- Opportunity to work from abroad
- 50% employee discount in its shops
- Free itsu lunch
- Discounts at major retailers
- Salary sacrifice cycle and electric vehicle schemes
Senior Food Technologist employer: itsu
itsu [grocery] is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates diversity and innovation in the food industry. With a commitment to employee growth, competitive salaries, and generous benefits such as hybrid working options and substantial discounts, itsu fosters an environment where passion for food and personal development thrive. Join us in our mission to redefine fast food with healthy, Asian-inspired offerings while enjoying the unique opportunity to contribute to our expanding grocery business across Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Food Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food tech industry, especially those who work at itsu or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for food! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your love for Asian cuisine and how it inspires your work. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who truly fits the itsu vibe.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on food safety standards and itsu’s product range. Being knowledgeable about their offerings will show that you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values diversity and innovation in the food industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Food Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Food Technologist role. Highlight your experience in food safety and technical roles, especially any work with manufacturing and retail. We want to see how your background aligns with our passion for Asian-inspired food!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your enthusiasm for food and why you’re excited about joining itsu [grocery]. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your attention to detail and proactive approach.
Follow the Anonymisation Guidelines:Remember to anonymise your CV and cover letter as per our guidelines. Remove your full name, university details, and any personal photos. This helps us focus on your skills and experience without bias!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be part of our journey to bring healthy, Asian-inspired food to more people. Let’s make it happen together!
How to prepare for a job interview at itsu
✨Know Your Food Safety Standards
Make sure you brush up on the latest food safety regulations and standards, especially those relevant to the grocery sector. Being able to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles will show your expertise and commitment to quality.
✨Show Your Passion for Asian Cuisine
itsu is all about Asian-inspired food, so don’t hold back on sharing your enthusiasm for it! Talk about your favourite dishes, any experiences with Asian cooking, or even trends in the market that excite you. This will help you connect with the brand's ethos.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around product specifications, quality control processes, and supplier management. Be ready to provide specific examples from your previous roles where you’ve tackled similar challenges or improved processes.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Proactivity
Since the role involves working closely with a small team, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in past projects, especially in driving a food safety culture or improving product quality.
